Meet the team that makes faraway feel personal.

I believe travel is one of the most transformative things a human being can do. It rearranges who we think we are, and teaches us that the world is bigger and more generous than we have been told. I have built a career on that belief.

At Swain Destinations, I have the privilege of doing this work alongside one of the most talented teams in the industry. Together we design trips that change the people who take them. The small details are what turn a vacation into a story a family tells for the next thirty years, and we obsess over those details accordingly. Travel, when it is built well, is one of the few things in life that reliably makes people better.

Outside of Swain Destinations, I serve on the advisory board of HERD, the Hoedspruit Elephant Rehabilitation and Development trust in South Africa, because I believe thoughtful travel changes more than just the people who take it.

This is the work I was put here to do, and I am grateful every day to be doing it.

Planning international travel with Swain Destinations starts with a blank piece of paper. The trip is tailored from the very start by myself and my dedicated team to offer American travelers the opportunity to create a completely customized trip to far-flung destinations, including Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific, and Africa. The power of Swain Destinations' family-run business lies in the dedication of its longtime employees, many of whom hail from the exciting locales they're selling. I believe there is no better feeling than getting someone excited about world travel. It's such a natural high to be able to share your passion for a favorite destination or your homeland with someone. In many cases, we're fulfilling someone's dream vacation.

I was born in Brisbane and showed a knack for entrepreneurship by launching a brokerage company when I was just 19. I met and married Linda, an American with a penchant for international travel. Two years into our marriage, with my knowledge of the South Pacific and her understanding of the American traveler, we started Swain Australia Tours (now Swain Destinations) in 1987.

Over the course of the next 10 years, Swain Destinations became the largest seller of South Pacific travel on the East Coast. We were recognized as one of Fastest Growing Companies for 3 straight years by the Philadelphia Business Journal.

The company has since expanded to include destinations in Africa and the Arctic Regions. Each time I look to grow the business, I find dedicated and enthusiastic travel specialists from those corners of the globe to join my team and support our clients through the detailed and customized planning process.

While I come from a background of over 15 years in the hospitality industry, I have known for much longer that I carry a strong passion for people and experiences. After my time in University, I spent most of my young adult years managing hotel properties throughout the East Coast. From there, I made the decision to share my knowledge of operations through Consulting.

This was an incredible opportunity that allowed me to travel the world. I was able to visit and experience various parts of Asia, Europe, French Polynesia, the South Pacific and most of the United States. With these experiences, I bring to Swain Destinations the passion for travel, for people and for making the guest experience both comfortable and memorable.

I grew up in the fabulous city of Melbourne, Australia, leaving to work in England and travel in Europe for 2 years, before ending up in Philadelphia in 1990. I fell in love with the city, and with my job, selling trips 'Down Under' - I got to tell everyone all the best things about my home country so there was no time to be homesick.

I still travel 'Down Under' on average twice a year, for work and play, to visit family and friends, and explore the fabulous new areas I have uncovered working for Swain Destinations. Other than travel, I enjoy being active and running is my passion - but I am not always on the go, especially in winter, when I love to shut out the cold and curl up with a book!

Originally from Melbourne, Australia, I have now almost spent as much of my life in the USA! I currently reside in Havertown, PA which is a great spot to live in. I first joined Swain back in March 2000 and after a 3 year break after having my second daughter, I returned to the team in early 2014.

I have always had a passion for travel and think it may be in my blood. My dad was a pilot with TAA/Australian Airlines for almost 25 years. Working in travel opens your eyes to so many amazing places I want to add to my wish list. I'm enjoying broadening the horizons of my daughters, with every family trip we take to a new destination. I love we are passing on our love of travel to them.

I began my career in tourism in the hotel industry before my passion for travel took me to work in destinations all over the world. I moved to England where I worked at a deluxe hotel for two years and was able to explore Europe. I continued my work in the hotel industry in Zimbabwe where I worked in Harare and ventured on to Victoria Falls, still one of the most magical and mysterious places I've ever seen. From there, I was lucky enough to travel extensively within Southern Africa and see some of the most spectacular and unique wildlife.

Later on I ventured to exotic Dubai and spent two and a half years there as part of the management team for the opening of the magnificent Emirates Towers Hotel. I eventually landed at Swain Destinations where I am now a Senior Consultant specializing in Africa and the Middle East. Being part of Swain Destinations has enabled me to continue my exploration of Africa and stay on top of all of the fantastic tourist development in the region.

I have been in the travel industry since 2003, with my full focus always being on the South Pacific. I have traveled to Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and French Polynesia multiple times. Every time I return, I truly feel like I am going home. Experiencing the local culture and what each country has to offer is one of my greatest joys in life. I was fortunate enough to spend my honeymoon in Fiji, and it is a special place for me. It is such a joy to experience the friendly and welcoming Fijian people and share it with your loved ones.

I have had the opportunity to travel all around the Northern Territory from Alice Springs, Ayers Rock and the Top End region. Experiencing the Aboriginal culture is one of the best experiences I have ever had travelling the World. I absolutely love getting up each day being able to help others experience the same joy.

My best travel advice is, always have a holiday booked, so you have a trip to look forward to.

Originally from South Africa, that is where I started my travel career in 1998. In 2006 I started a new adventure by moving countries to work for Swain Destinations!! There are so many amazing countries and as no experience is ever the same, traveling to different countries to experience what each place has to offer is so enriching. This is what drew me to the travel industry;the opportunity to explore and share my experiences. "Traveling, it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a story teller" -a quote from Ibn Battuta.

Explore this world and experience life through travel! I love learning about history and culture and had my life taken a different path I would have been an archeologist, but in this life, I still get to explore ancient worlds and experience other cultures, which is so exciting!

I come to Swain from a logistics, administrative, and operations background. My love for travel began with my first trip abroad when I was only nine years old visiting family in Italy. Combining my work experience with my love for travel has been a natural fit. Working at Swain has more than doubled my bucket list and I am excited to continue checking those items off! Helping others have memorable adventures in travel with loved ones and family is extremely fulfilling. Originally from Athens, Georgia, and having lived in several other cities in the South along the way - I now live in Atlanta with my husband and dog named Friday.

I have not been able to venture out of the USA yet, but it is a dream of mine to travel someday. Learning about others' and meeting new people is a joy of mine. Some of my dream vacation spots which I hope to achieve easier with the connections of this company are Fiji, New Zealand, or maybe even visit somewhere like my homeplace such as Antarctica!

Hi! I am Sam and I have been working in logistics since 2007. I have a strong passion for solving puzzles and putting things together. I have discovered in the last few years that I truly enjoy meeting new people and helping them achieve their traveling dreams. I love looking at all the different places we can go and learning about different things we can experience.
I love to travel and hope to do more of it in the coming years. My husband and I recently welcomed a baby boy into the world and I can't wait to show him all that travel and life has to offer him!

I'm a Torontonian who can't seem to get enough of this world. I enjoy exploring destinations so I can meet new people, hear their stories, taste their food, and experience new cultures.

One winter break as kids we went to Mexico City for our family holiday. I remember sitting on a bench enjoying street corn and watching the kids play soccer while others danced to nearby music. I was drawn in by the beauty of it all - the music, the colours and laughter. It was then that I discovered my love for travel and haven't stopped since. From that point on, I spent my summers abroad exploring new cities, meeting new people and tasting my way through the world one country at a time. A few of the countries I've fallen in love with along the way are New Zealand, Australia, Tanzania, India, Italy and Laos.

When I'm not working, you'll find me checking out the new restaurant in town or at home with friends and family enjoying good food and music.

I've been selling the South Pacific since 1997 and pride myself on the knowledge I've gleaned from this destination and area of the world. While my first passion is travel, a close second is my love for wildlife and everything with fur; ask me about my love for wombats when you can! I've traveled throughout the region and have been to all states/territories in Australia, as well as New Zealand, Fiji, French Polynesia, and the Cook Islands.

One of my favorite memories was volunteering at a wildlife park in Tasmania where I spent the week feeding koalas and caring for a variety of wildlife animals, but was also able to foster 'Wizard the Wombat' overnight. While you can currently find me based out of Minnesota, be certain that my love for travel keeps me exploring and moving to new places all the time!

I believe that the key to a life well-lived is purposeful travel. Nothing fulfills my soul more than traversing faraway lands, meeting new people, and uncovering their culture through their local food & beverage scene. After starting my career in travel in Sydney, Australia and exploring the South Pacific extensively, I returned to Pennsylvania and began my dream job at Swain Destinations.

I specialize in crafting fully customized itineraries to all of the destinations within the Swain portfolio, drawing on firsthand knowledge and a deep love for nature & wildlife, food & wine, and exceptional hotels & luxury lodges. Luxury isn't just about beautiful rooms, it's about that pinch me moment when you wake up to an extraordinary setting, where impeccable service makes you feel like the only guest in the world, and every detail has been considered before you even think to ask.

Exploring the world with my two young children has only deepened my love for the magic that happens when we step outside our everyday lives -- the new perspectives gained, the connections made, and the memories that last a lifetime. I bring that same wonder to every client experience. It is truly a privilege to share my passion for this beautiful world, and I would love to help you say yes to your own idea of adventure. My goal is to turn your vision into reality, and if you do not have a vision, I am here to guide & inspire you.

I have always had a passion for traveling the world, connecting with people, and discovering exceptional wines. Before working in the travel industry, I worked in the wine industry. With a decade-long background in wine, I've developed a keen palate for regional varietals and vineyard terroirs, making wine destinations a frequent stop on my journeys. My wanderlust began during a transformative college internship in Copenhagen, Denmark--the starting point of my European adventures, where I backpacked across the continent after. A standout moment was reconnecting with family in Southern Italy with my father and getting to meet relatives there. My most recent adventure took me to the famed Domaine Sigalas winery in Santorini, Greece, and for my next adventure, I have my sights set on visiting the Alto Adige Wine Region in Italy.

I was born in New South Wales, with schooling and tech college at Coff's Harbour. I worked for an Engineering firm before moving to Sydney where I met and married a widower (with 5 kids). I worked in Real Estate for several years before buying a caravan park at Ulladulla with eldest son. We began to travel the world in 1975, then selling the caravan park, we moved to southern Queensland. These days, I enjoy riding with my new partner on his Honda Goldwing motorbike, and have undertaken a few solo overseas travels in recent years. I met George Swain in the early 1990s and have assisted our reservations department and traveling clients in Australia ever since.

I was born and raised in Australia and like most Australians I have had 'the travel bug' from an early age and I have been fortunate to have had the opportunity to travel extensively. After completing my degree in Early Childhood Education and teaching in the Northern Territory, for a complete change of scenery I headed to Italy where I studied Italian then worked and traveled throughout Europe. I moved to the U.S. and as a Virtuoso advisor, specializing in Australia and New Zealand, shared my enthusiasm for Australia and New Zealand with clients and advisors. This continues today, after joining Swain Destinations initially as the Virtuoso Relationship Manager and currently in the role of Customer Success Manager.

I've been involved in all aspects of web design and development since the 1990s. Born and raised in New England, I attended college at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA. When I'm not learning the latest technology and how I can utilize it to improve the productivity and quality of work-life of my colleagues and our clients, I can be found reading a good book, enjoying the natural world around me, or cheering on my beloved Boston Red Sox.

I caught the travel bug at a very young age and haven't looked back! I'm fascinated by the Royal Family and the rich history of that entire region, so I'm currently making my way around the United Kingdom with each vacation (London, Glasgow, Scottish Highlands, etc.). I try to visit a new destination every year and more specifically, booking a food tour in that new city. It's a great way to explore the area and experience that culture in a different way! ...but in my free time, you can always find me planning another trip back to my second "home" - Disney World!

Travel has been my passion since growing up on a farm in rural Australia. While my original career was teaching, the travel bug eventually led to a career change after working in a seasonal position arranging Snow Skiing Vacations to the USA, Canada, New Zealand, and Europe. Following that, I joined the Swain Destinations Team in Ardmore in 1990 where I spent my first 16 years with the company.

In 2006, my family and I relocated to Australia. I am now based in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland of Queensland. My role with Swain Destinations is creating amazing trips of a lifetime for my valued clients. Trips to New Zealand and Australia are my specialty.

Born and raised in the picturesque city of Cape Town, South Africa, I have a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and breathtaking landscapes. With over 11 years of experience specializing in luxury transport and tours in South Africa, I have honed my skills in providing unsurpassed service to discerning travelers. I understand the importance of seamless and enjoyable travel experiences, and endeavor to make journeys as smooth and enjoyable as possible. In my free time, I enjoy exploring the city and creating lasting memories with my wife and son.

Originally from London, UK, I've carried this love for exploration with me throughout my life. After living in many countries along the way, I am now fortunate to call Canada my home, a vast and diverse land that has only fueled my wanderlust.

My love for travel was sparked at a young age when I realized the world is an incredible tapestry of beauty and wonder, waiting to be discovered. It's this curiosity that drove me to immerse myself in diverse cultures, and get off the beaten track in Australia and New Zealand for a couple years which really got the travel bug started.

Travel, for me, is a gateway to understanding, empathy, and personal growth. It's a privilege to assist others in embarking on their own transformative adventures, and I couldn't imagine a more fulfilling career.

The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page. I'm dedicated to helping individuals explore every chapter of this extraordinary book, one destination at a time.

I have been with Swain since 1992 and have worked in both managerial and sales roles. As a native South Australian, selling my homeland just comes naturally. My specialty is the South Pacific, namely Australia and New Zealand.

Since my first trip to Italy when I was three years old, I've loved the adventure that travel brings. I am a huge fan of exploring different countries and experiencing them at the local level. I'm a native Aussie hailing from Melbourne, Australia, I hold three passports, and food and travel are my two strongest passions. So, when I'm not busy creating dream travel itineraries for my clients, you'll find me heading to the local farmer's market, cooking up some exotic dish in my kitchen, or daydreaming about my next travel adventure. I truly believe that traveling broadens our horizons and helps us to be curious and intrepid, and connect with each other. After a stint of living on a sailboat in Italy and Croatia with two very young children, I can definitely say that travel changes you in the best possible way, and to be able to see the world and gain a little insight into other cultures is a true gift that is awarded to those who seek to find it.

Born and raised in Australia, I have been with Swain Destinations since day one in 1987 and have enjoyed every aspect of the business.

My interests are traveling, mountain biking, and boating.

Being based in Australia, I am dedicated to ensuring all clients have the best experiences possible while traveling in Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific Islands.

Raised by service-oriented parents, my father being a surgeon and mother still coordinating her church's activities, building a travel business based on personal service came naturally. With our mutual love of travel, Ian and I wanted to bring the best of the best to others and so Swain Tours, now Swain Destinations, was born in 1987. Ian handled all operations and I led branding, marketing and created brochures after our children went to bed.

We soon were awarded the fastest growing business by the Philadelphia Business Journal for 3 consecutive years and I had the honor of being recognized as one of Pennsylvania's Top 50 Best Women in Business.

With the number of Swain children growing to six, I ventured into television with a series on NBC Philadelphia called "Moms on the Move," where I received Emmy Awards as a best host and producer. Also a songwriter, I wrote an Anthem for the city of Philadelphia entitled, "The Philadelphia Song," which was used to promote tourism and executive produced an IMAX signature movie, "Home of Freedom" shown at The Philadelphia Franklin Institute.

When our kids grew and spread their wings, I created a program to promote travel called Tapping IN: The Happiest People and Places which aired on 90% of the U.S. major network stations in syndication earning a National Daytime Emmy nomination.

Since 1987 and to this day, I continue to promote, make connections and expand travel experiences for our travelers to worldwide destinations along with Ian and our sensational team. I also enjoy accolades from our travelers about the "Swain's Secret Sauce."

I was born in Cape Town, South Africa, where I still currently reside. I have been in the travel industry for over 10 years, working for a tour operator specializing in luxury safaris within Africa - here I have gained invaluable knowledge and experience customizing itineraries for American clients visiting Southern Africa. I am passionate about travel in Southern Africa, and about revealing the region. I have had the opportunity to travel around South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe and have experienced the amazing wildlife, culture and food Africa has to offer. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my son Liam and my husband Shawn, exploring the beautiful city of Cape Town.